Between work, personal life, and the world at large, stress seem to be more commonplace nowadays. In fact, 55% of Americans say that they are stressed on a daily basis. Workplace stress causes U.S. businesses to lose $300 billion dollars annually. And work-related stress causes 120,000 deaths per year and $190 billion in healthcare-related costs. Stress isn’t totally unavoidable but it is manageable. These are our favorite tips to beat stress in the workplace

Eat Healthy Foods

It’s easy to grab a bag of chips and a soda and call that lunch. But the food choices we make can have a serious impact on our mental health. Nutritious foods that are high in protein and fiber can help you stay full for longer. When you skip meals or eat meals that aren’t very nutrient-dense, your body sends stress signals to the brain. If you feel like you don’t have enough time to eat, like 26% of Americans, make time. You can’t be your best or give your best if you’re pouring from an empty cup. Make a concerted effort to carve out time to eat nutritious meals and snacks throughout your day.

Make a Play Station

Being an adult all the time is boring. Sometimes you need to get back in touch with the ways you used to love to play when you were younger. Set up a play station for your staff to unwind. Play-Doh, coloring, sticker books, Hot Wheels, etc. can help you unwind. Play has been shown to reduce stress, boost morale, and improve creativity in adults. Encourage play by asking your staff members what their favorite ways to play when they were younger. One of the easiest ways to get your staff engaging in play is to incorporate adult coloring books. Actually, they don’t even have to be for adults! Coloring books for all ages are totally ok and highly encouraged.

Make Time for Things and People You Love

Just like it’s important to carve out time to eat, it’s important to carve out time for the people who are most important to you. It may seem impossible but carving out time for the people and the things you love can make time at your office much more tolerable. Grabbing lunch with friends or linking up with family and loved ones on the weekends can have immense benefits on your mental health during the workweek. Humans are social creatures and our brains crave that social interaction even if it’s only for 45 minutes.

Breathing Exercises

Are you breathing? Or have you been holding your breath without realizing it? For most of us, holding our breath during the day is pretty normal. However, it can increase our stress levels unknowingly. Practicing meditation like breathing exercises throughout the day can lower your stress levels and remind you to breathe!